METRO PD Assistant Chief Dennis Ribeiro sits down with The Next Stop to discuss what it takes to police a large transit authority like Houston METRO. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 55: Challenges and Opportunities of Policing a Transit System

Minnesota’s Autonomous Rural Transit Initiative, goMARTI, is a unique community-led partnership to bring autonomous shuttles to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Greg Rodriguez and Greg Rogers sat down with Tammy Meehan Russell and Justin Johnson at TRB Annual Meeting 2023 to explore how they worked with the Grand Rapids community to introduce an autonomous shuttle service powered by May Mobility. 

In this episode, you’ll hear Tammy and Justin share the secret sauce for deploying autonomous transit service alongside a community. The ingredients: a willing partner on the ground, community that wanted a new solution, university engagement, a tech partner willing to invest in a community—and, of course, a theme song written by the local driving instructor!

Find more information about Plum Catalyst on their website: https://www.theplumcatalyst.com/ 

Read more about goMARTI: https://www.gomarti.com/ 

Find the theme song on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6Rlwm1qffhvva2fCQigSUs 
And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QQbnxLZXCM 

Tammy Meehan Russell 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tammymeehan2 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammymeehan/ 

Justin Johnson, Director of Technology, Plum Catalyst
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmarkjohnson/ 

Follow the Transportation Research Board on Twitter at @NASEMTRB and see highlights from this year’s annual meeting by searching for the #TRBAM hashtag on LinkedIn and Twitter.

As always, you can follow us on Twitter: @MobilityPodcast, @MoveGreg, @Pete_Gould, @SmarterTranspo.

AVs & Rural Community Empowerment – Tammy Meehan Russell & Justin Johnson, Plum Catalyst (TRB 2023)

METRO's safety educator Ramona Crayton stops by The Next Stop to discuss how the Authority prioritizes safety - especially when we have big events like the rodeo and the Final Four, which can attract visitors from around the world. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 57: METRO Prioritizes Your Safety Every Day

METRO's Andrei Dragomir joins host Doug Delony to discuss all the behind-the-scenes work that takes place to prepare the Authority for the arrival of more zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric buses. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 58: Fueled by Passion - Pioneering the Shift to Zero-Emission Buses

METRO's Danicel Whitaker explains why offering students discounted and free rides is an investment for the future. Plus we discuss another way to save money: the METRO Rider Rewards program. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 59: Investing in the Future - Free Rides for Students This Summer

METRO's Director of Public Facilities, Miguel Zavala, visits with Doug Delony about the important job that keeps the Facilities Maintenance team busy 24/7.  (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 60: The METRO Team That Keeps Things Nice and Clean

METRO is actively involved in the community as we work together to develop the METRORapid University Corridor Project. Host Doug Delony and Tanya McWashington, VP of Public Engagement for METRO, discuss.   (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 63: Working With the Community to Plan the University Line

Kim Williams from the METRO Office of Innovation joins Doug Delony to discuss METRO FutureLink, which aims to integrate autonomous vehicles into the public transit system.   (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 64: Integrating Autonomous Vehicles into Public Transit

METRO's Casey McKay visits with Doug Delony about new bus shelters that are being installed across the Houston region as part of the METRONext plan.    (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 65: New METRO Bus Shelters Are on the Way - What You Need to Know

The Galloping Goose, Telluride's iconic and ambling town bus service, has seen many a passenger over the years. On this Off the Record, two longtime drivers share their reflections and memories from decades behind the wheel. Featuring   Peter Chadman and Brandon Greip.

Off the Record 12-12-23: Galloping Geese

Doug Delony takes a look back at some of the touching stories and big headlines you may have missed from METRO in the last year. We are looking forward to another great year in 2024!    (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 66: What You Missed at METRO in 2023

Jamie Weiner from The Alexander Institute for Inclusion visits The Next Stop to discuss accessibility and ReelAbilities Houston. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 68: Universal Accessibility — What It Means, Why it Matters and What You Can Do

Andy Marchant from TomTom joins METRO's Doug Delony to discuss the latest traffic study that shows the financial and environmental impacts of traffic congestion. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 69: Houston Drivers Are Wasting a Lot of Time and Money in Traffic

In this episode, we wander into the global 15-Minute City conversation that started with an urban planning vision of a world where schools, jobs, parks, and coffee shops are a short train or bike ride away. But amidst the green utopian dream, dystopian concerns have arisen. Voices like Joe Rogan [https://www.joerogan.com/] and Oh the Urbanity YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/OhTheUrbanity] weigh in, unpacking the fears of a society locked in by invisible and visible boundaries. 

Moreover, we hear from the practitioners, Professor Carlos Moreno [https://www.moreno-web.net/] who founded the concept for Paris, Data Scientist Angel Hsu [https://sternstrategy.com/speakers/angel-hsu/] who illustrates how urban living and climate harsh realities collide, and Canadian urbanist city planner Brent Toderian [https://toderianurbanworks.com/brent/] lays out the grand design. Will the 15-minute city liberate or incarcerate? Listen as we dissect an urban blueprint for tomorrow.


For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio 
More Info: 
15-Minute City with Carlos Moreno https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ2f4sJVXAI
Angel Hsu https://www.ted.com/speakers/angel_hsu 
Oh The Urbanity - Prison Cities https://youtu.be/DpXqY_j1m1U?si=Id1Rs9ryzvkfb0EO 
An Evening with Brent Toderian https://youtu.be/fVVdmRGZ0hM?si=MwrPVxO-zfrRcP32 



Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia  [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs.




Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ 
Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ 
Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio
PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url  

Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Episode 213
Photo credit: Pixabay

Urban Utopia or Dystopia? The 15-Minute City Debate

Houston's air quality, like many large metro areas, is not great, but there are some actions everyone can take to help turn things around. Charlie Gagen from the American Lung Association visits with METRO's Doug Delony.  (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)

Episode 70: Let's Clear the Air and Use Public Transit

Join us in this special episode of "Life Along The Streetcar" as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of Tucson’s modern streetcar. 🎂🎈

Episode Highlights:
🔹 Steve Farley’s Vision and Advocacy: Dive into the incredible story of Steve Farley, the "godfather of the streetcar," and his relentless efforts that brought the streetcar to life in Tucson. 🚏

🔹 Historical Milestones: Explore the journey from initial setbacks in the 90s to the triumphant launch in 2014, driven by community support and strategic planning. 📅

🔹 Economic and Social Impact: Discover how the streetcar has transformed downtown Tucson, boosting economic growth and fostering a strong sense of community. 🌇

🔹 Personal Stories and Anecdotes: Relive memorable moments and hear firsthand accounts of how the streetcar has impacted lives and reshaped our city. 🗣️

Tune In to Hear:
Steve Farley's early vision and advocacy for public transit
Pivotal moments and challenges overcome to launch the streetcar
Economic revitalization stories from downtown Tucson
Community connections strengthened through the streetcar system
Don't miss out on this engaging and nostalgic journey through Tucson’s urban transformation! Hit play now to celebrate with us and share your thoughts in the comments below. 🎧

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Visit our website for more episodes and exclusive interviews.
Calls to Action:
🔔 Follow Us: Stay updated with our latest episodes and stories.

👍 Like & Share: Spread the word and share this special episode with your friends and family.

💬 Join the Conversation: Leave a comment below and share your favorite streetcar memories.

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, iTunes, iHeartRadio, or simply ask your smart speaker to play "Life Along The Streetcar" podcast.

Celebrate a decade of progress and community spirit with Tucson’s streetcar! 🚋✨

Celebrating a Decade on Track: Tucson's Streetcar Turns 10!

In this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Kate Dineen, President and CEO of A Better City. Kate shares how her organization is working to shape a more sustainable, connected, and competitive Greater Boston through strategic investments in transportation, infrastructure, and land use. We talk about the role transit plays in economic growth, climate resilience, and regional equity, and how business leaders are stepping up to support the MBTA. Kate also gives her take on the importance of urgency, accountability, and collaboration in building the transit system our future depends on.

Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at social@mbta.com – your feedback might end up in a future episode!

Building a Better T and A Better City with Kate Dineen

Welcome to Spilling the T, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the MBTA. Hosted by Andrew Cassidy of the MBTA’s Customer and Employee Experience department, each episode takes a deep dive into the inner workings and issues the T is facing.

At the MBTA, we believe in transparency, open communication, and continuous improvement. That's why we've created this podcast—to give you a firsthand look at the challenges we face, the innovative solutions we're implementing, and the dedicated people working tirelessly to keep our transportation system running smoothly.

Join us as we bring you exclusive interviews with key individuals from various departments within the MBTA. We'll be Spilling the T on infrastructure upgrades, service disruptions, safety measures, and everything in between. This podcast is your backstage pass to understanding the complexities and nuances of operating one of the busiest transit systems in the nation.

But it's not just about the challenges. We'll also be highlighting success stories and initiatives that make a positive impact on our riders and communities. From environmental sustainability projects to community engagement efforts, we'll showcase the remarkable work being done by our dedicated staff members.

Whether you're a loyal MBTA rider, a curious citizen, or an industry professional, Spilling the T is your go-to source for an insider's perspective on all things MBTA. Get ready to go behind the scenes of the MBTA like never before.

For questions and comments, please reach out to social@mbta.com.

EcoJustice Radio presents environmental and climate stories from a social justice frame, featuring voices not necessarily heard on mainstream media.

Our purpose is to amplify community voices, broaden the reach of grassroots-based movements, and inspire action. We investigate solutions for social, environmental, and climate issues with an eye to advance human health, steward wild landscapes, and solve the climate crisis across the USA and the world.

Featured weekly on KPFK Los Angeles and KPFT Houston, and found on all major podcast apps. We are nationally syndicated through the Pacifica Network and PRX and heard on public radio stations across the US and downloaded in over 25 countries.

Co-hosts Jack Eidt, Carry Kim, and Jessica Aldridge present a broad range of perspectives: land defenders and water protectors; Indigenous leaders, front/fenceline community spokespeople; youth organizers; ecosystem and land stewards; regenerative farmers and permaculture specialists; spiritual and faith leaders; environmental health advocates and practitioners; documentary filmmakers; climate scientists; and political decision makers.

EcoJustice Radio [http://EcoJusticeRadio.org] is produced by SoCal350.org since 2017. 

Tune in live to KPFK Radio Thursdays from 4 to 5 PM (PT) at 90.7 FM Los Angeles, 98.7 FM Santa Barbara, 93.7 FM North San Diego, 99.5 FM Ridgecrest-China Lake, or KPFK.org. 

We also are featured on KPFT Houston from 4 to 5 PM (CT) at 90.1 FM or KPFT.org and other public radio stations on the Pacifica Network.

A podcast about mobility, technology, and people. We analyze federal, state, and local transportation policies and interview the experts that shape them. Hosted by Greg Rogers, Greg Rodriguez, and Pete Gould.

Focusing on social, cultural, & economic events impacting those who live, work and play in Tucson's urban core. Listen to us on DowntownRadio.org 99.1 FM.  Also available on your chosen Podcasting service!

METRO provides public transportation services to Greater Houston. Episode transcripts can be obtained by visiting https://www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast

New tracks tagged #PublicTransit